Tiaa wasted no time—her hands moved swiftly, almost on instinct, as she reached behind her back, pulled out an arrow, and nocked it against the bowstring in one fluid motion. Without hesitation, she drew the string back to her cheek, her fingers steady despite the panic rising in her chest, and let the arrow fly.
The projectile cut through the air with a sharp whistle before embedding itself into the beast's thick hide, though not deep enough to cause serious damage. It was enough, however, to momentarily shift the beast's attention away from Meni, who was still struggling to regain his footing after the vicious blow he had taken earlier.
The creature turned, its glowing eyes locking onto Tiaa, its nostrils flaring as it exhaled sharply, an eerie growl rumbling from deep within its throat. The weight of its gaze sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to let fear control her.